One of the most critical enablers of this transformation is omnichannel retailing. Once dismissed as a buzzword, it is now the engine behind retail success. As McKinsey notes, “consumers will choose retailers based on the ease and richness of their end-to-end experience.” In this article, we explore the proven strategies and success stories that show how retailers can win with omnichannel. 

Omnichannel Defined: Beyond the Buzzword 

Omnichannel retailing is a customer-first strategy that unifies all retail channels: both physical and digital, to deliver a seamless and consistent shopping experience across all touchpoints. 

In today’s digital world, customers do not limit themselves to a single channel. They move between digital and physical environments based on convenience. Retailers must understand this behavior and address it by offering unified experiences. Unlike multichannel retailing, where channels operate separately, omnichannel retailing integrates them into one cohesive system. 

In multichannel retailing, a customer may face difficulty completing a purchase across channels, for example, buying online but being unable to return the product in-store. This disconnect is resolved through omnichannel strategies, where customers can start their journey on one platform and complete it on another without interruption. 

The figure below illustrates the key differences between multichannel and omnichannel retailing, highlighting how omnichannel strategies create a more cohesive and customer-centric experience.

Omnichannel: Meeting Rising Customer Expectations 

Customers today expect a seamless experience across all channels, whether in-store, online, on mobile apps, over the phone, or through social media. They want the flexibility to inquire, browse, purchase, and return products anytime, anywhere, without disruptions. 

This demand for consistency and transparency is also reflected in research, as shown below.

Meeting these expectations requires an omnichannel approach. Retailers that fail to adapt risk losing customers to competitors who deliver more integrated, convenient experiences.

Omnichannel strategies also enable better data management. When customer and inventory data are unified, retailers can personalize experiences, improve operations, and deliver value consistently. Adopting the latest trends in omnichannel retail is no longer a luxury; it’s critical for staying relevant and building long-term customer relationships. 

Trends Driving Omnichannel Success 

Omnichannel trends are emerging technologies and strategies that help retailers deliver a consistent customer experience across all platforms. These trends are designed to eliminate gaps between physical and digital channels, enhancing brand visibility and meeting customer expectations across all touchpoints. 

They also reflect a business’s position in the industry and how well it adapts to evolving customer needs.

How Do These Trends Support Omnichannel Success? 

 Key trends shaping 2026 include: 

• Unified commerce systems synchronize inventory and customer data across all channels. 
• Loyalty programs ensure customer engagement regardless of where they shop. 
• Click-and-collect services enable online shopping with in-store pickup, blending digital and physical experiences. 
• AI-powered personalization helps tailor the shopping journey based on user behavior. 
• Mobile-first strategies enhance the experience for users shopping through smartphones. 

These trends ensure a smooth customer journey by allowing transitions between platforms without losing context or data.

Lessons That Shaped Today’s Omnichannel Playbook 

Gone are the days when online orders couldn’t be modified in-store or had to be placed again offline. Omnichannel retailing created a unified environment where customers no longer worry about where they started their shopping journey. Their shopping carts and orders are accessible and manageable across all platforms. 

This shift from multichannel to omnichannel was driven by changing customer behavior and the adoption of new technologies and strategies. Some notable trends that shaped omnichannel include: 

• Omnichannel Fulfillment – Enabled real-time inventory visibility and flexible delivery and return options. 
• AI-Driven Personalization – Provided tailored experiences based on individual preferences. 
• Chatbots and Virtual Assistants – Improved customer support through automation and 24/7 availability. 
• Mobile-First Strategies – Recognized the dominance of mobile commerce and optimized the experience accordingly. 

Omnichannel retailing became a defining factor in how brands engaged customers across physical and digital touchpoints. Several retailers stood out by adopting integrated strategies that improved customer experience and business performance.

Omnichannel in Action: Success Stories from Leading Retailers

Leading retailers that adopted integrated strategies are already seeing measurable improvements in both customer experience and business performance.

• Grupo Axo / ULTA Beauty (Mexico) 
  Partnering with SkillNet, Grupo Axo launched ULTA Beauty in Mexico with Oracle Xstore and Oracle Customer Engagement. The new technology foundation delivers seamless customer experiences and supports the company’s broader omnichannel transformation. 

• Canadian Retailer 
  SkillNet implemented Oracle Retail Xstore and integrated it with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, enabling scalable omnichannel operations while meeting strict regulatory requirements. 

• Global Specialty Retailer 
  With SkillNet’s accelerators, this retailer modernized order management and supported rapid global expansion. The solution unified commerce across markets and gave customers flexible fulfillment options

Looking Ahead: Omnichannel in 2026

As McKinsey notes, “consumers will choose retailers based on the ease and richness of their end-to-end experience.” That expectation sets the agenda for 2026, a year where execution – not aspiration – will separate retail leaders from laggards. 

Building on the momentum of the past years, retailers in 2026 must continue evolving their omnichannel strategies to meet rising customer expectations and market competition.  The following strategies are key to driving growth and resilience in 2026: 

1. Invest in Real-Time Inventory Synchronization 

Customers now expect accurate stock visibility across all channels.  Retailers should prioritize upgrading systems that ensure real-time synchronization between online and in-store inventory to support services like BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store), same-day delivery, and store fulfillment. 

2. Enhance Mobile-First Experiences 

Mobile remains a critical touchpoint for product discovery, payments, and loyalty engagement. Retailers should further optimize mobile apps with features such as barcode scanning, virtual try-ons, personalized content, and seamless checkout to boost engagement and conversions. 

3. Deepen Personalization Using AI and Data 

Leveraging AI and machine learning to personalize offers, product recommendations, and service interactions across all channels can drive customer loyalty. In 2026, successful retailers will move beyond basic segmentation to real-time, behavior-based personalization. 

4. Integrate Loyalty Across All Touchpoints 

Customers expect recognition and reward no matter how they shop. Unified loyalty programs that work seamlessly across web, app, and stores – and even extend to marketplaces or third-party platforms will be essential for retention. 

5. Strengthen Fulfillment Flexibility 

Faster, more flexible fulfillment options are becoming the norm. Retailers should expand ship-from-store, curbside pickup, local delivery, and third-party logistics partnerships to meet evolving customer demands efficiently. 

6. Prioritize Unified Customer Service 

Customer service should reflect the same omnichannel mindset as sales. Integrated CRM systems, chatbot assistants, and support teams that have access to full customer histories across all platforms will be critical to providing consistent, high-quality service. 

7. Embrace Store Digitization and Associate Enablement 

Stores are becoming digital hubs. In 2026, retailers should equip store associates with tools like clienteling apps, real-time product data, and mobile checkout devices to serve customers more effectively and enhance the in-store experience.

Final Takeaway: Ready to Win with Omnichannel?

Omnichannel retailing unifies all channels to deliver seamless and personalized experiences. Unlike fragmented multichannel setups, it allows customers to start and finish their journeys anywhere—store, web, or app. 

To build your omnichannel strategy: 

• Map customer journeys. 
• Centralize your data. 
• Enable flexible fulfillment. 
• Equip staff with mobile tools. 

Oracle Xstore is built for this. It connects experiences, empowers associates, and scales globally. Its advanced Mobile POS empowers associates to assist customers anywhere, from assisted selling to faster checkout, while unified commerce, real-time inventory, and cross-channel fulfillment ensure seamless journeys across every touchpoint. Together, these capabilities deliver smooth customer experiences while maximizing associate effectiveness. 

In short, it delivers what today’s omnichannel shoppers expect: speed, flexibility, and personalization. 

For 2026 and beyond, choose Oracle Xstore to power your omnichannel success. 

Ready to Turn Omnichannel into a Growth Engine? 

At SkillNet, we believe that delaying omnichannel modernization is riskier than moving too fast. With Oracle Xstore and accelerators like StoreHub and Commerce DevOps, we help retailers unify channels, enable real-time inventory, and empower associates without disrupting day-to-day operations.  

Let’s build the growth strategies that will keep your business ahead in 2026 and beyond. 

Read more: 

• Retail Consulting Services 
• POS Modernization Services 
• Oracle Xstore Solutions 

Refrences

https://www.alixpartners.com/newsroom/consumer-sentiment-index-2024

In today’s fast-paced retail environment, choosing the right POS system is more vital than ever. Retailers need solutions that go beyond processing transactions – they need intelligent POS systems designed to adapt to complex business requirements. 

An intelligent POS solution should deliver a unified customer experience through advanced capabilities such as omnichannel commerce, endless aisle, click-and-collect, loyalty programs, and clienteling. At the same time, it must offer a platform that is flexible, extensible, agile, and secure. 

In this blog, we draw on our 25+ years of expertise to provide actionable guidelines for retailers seeking the ideal intelligent POS solution, with a special emphasis on Oracle Retail Xstore. We delve into its flexible framework, robust customization options, and advanced functionalities, demonstrating how it helps retailers meet customer demands for a seamless and unified shopping experience.

Key Business Challenges Addressed by Intelligent POS Solutions

Intelligent POS systems are designed to address key business challenges, including seamless omnichannel integration, mobile-first strategies, evolving consumer expectations, sustainability goals, and robust security requirements. These solutions are designed to resolve challenges such as:

• Rising demand for cloud-based solutions – a priority for 90% of businesses.
• Customization, scalability, and inventory management hurdles – among the top pain points for retailers.
• Delivering exceptional customer satisfaction – key to creating memorable shopping experiences.
• Ensuring fast and efficient checkouts – crucial for improving customer flow and reducing wait times.
• Adopting mobile-first, mobile-centric solutions – empowering store associates with real-time data while catering to customers across digital, in-store, and social channels.
• Facilitating contactless payments – essential for secure and seamless transactions.
• Preventing and tracking fraud – critical for maintaining robust security measures.
• Optimizing inventory management – reducing stock-outs and ensuring products are available when and where needed.

Intelligent POS solutions not only address these challenges but also drive business growth, reduce losses, and deliver personalized customer experiences. These features, as illustrated in Figure 1, make them indispensable for modern retail operations.

By leveraging advanced technologies, intelligent POS systems empower retailers to streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and fuel business growth. Understanding the capabilities and benefits of these systems is crucial for making informed decisions that align with your retail goals.

Why Choose Oracle Xstore: Key Features for Modern Retail

Oracle Retail Xstore Suite is a top-tier POS solution designed to provide modern retailers with a unified platform to seamlessly manage sales, inventory, and customer interactions across both physical stores and e-commerce channels. Trusted by leading retailers worldwide, Oracle Xstore helps streamline operations and drive business growth. 

Oracle Xstore stands out by enabling real-time inventory management, facilitating transactions across multiple touchpoints, and delivering personalized customer experiences – all within a single, cohesive platform. These advanced capabilities make Oracle Xstore the go-to choice for retailers, as demonstrated in the comparison table below showcasing its advantages over traditional POS systems.

Table 1: Oracle Retail Xstore Vs Traditional POS

Key Features of Oracle Xstore: Empowering Modern Retailers

Oracle Xstore’s smart, cloud-based architecture offers a robust suite of features designed to transform retail operations, including: 

• Streamlined store operations for improved efficiency.
• Dynamic pricing and promotions are customized to customer preferences.
• Enhanced customer engagement with real-time insights, personalized interactions, and loyalty programs.
• Increased associate productivity via an intuitive interface, gesture controls, and automation.
• Seamless omnichannel integration between brick-and-mortar and eCommerce channels.
• Flexible transaction options with mobile POS and advanced self-checkout solutions.
• Real-time inventory visibility and a flexible transaction framework.
• Managerial tools for labor scheduling, reporting, and banking operations.
• Centralized data management for promotions, configurations, and devices.
• Optimized inventory control with chain-wide visibility and superior management capabilities.
• Efficient order fulfillment through integrated Order Management solutions.
• Compliance with fiscal laws to ensure regulatory adherence.

These features highlight Oracle Xstore’s ability to streamline operations, enhance competitiveness, and elevate customer satisfaction in an ever-evolving retail landscape. For a deeper dive into new features that make an Oracle Xstore POS upgrade worthwhile, explore this blog.

Meeting Unique Retail Needs Through Digital Transformation: Extending Your POS System

In today’s dynamic retail environment, businesses understand the need for modernizing their POS systems to address their unique challenges and opportunities. Advanced tools such as CRM systems or in-store mobile POS enable businesses to create scalable, adaptable systems that foster growth and innovation.

By extending their POS systems, retailers can:

• Customize solutions to align with evolving business requirements and customer expectations.
• Increase operational efficiency and adaptability to meet market challenges.
• Overcome unique obstacles with tailored features that go beyond standard capabilities.

Research underscores the importance of scalable and customizable POS systems for retailers seeking to thrive in a fast-changing environment. Without these systems, businesses risk relying on outdated technologies that struggle to keep up with modern demands. Intelligent POS solutions like Oracle Xstore provide a host of advantages, including:

• Enhanced customer experiences
• Actionable, data-driven insights
• Improved cost efficiency
• Faster feature updates
• Strong security measures
• Consistent brand representation

Oracle Xstore exemplifies a flexible, scalable POS solution designed for modern retail needs. It enables businesses to:

• Seamlessly scale POS systems to accommodate growth
• Customize features to address specific operational requirements
• Deliver seamless in-store experience with mobile POS devices

This adaptability empowers retailers to stay competitive, enhance customer experiences, and respond to shifting market trends. Oracle Xstore ensures your POS system evolves with your business, keeping you ready for the future while driving success today.

Enhancing Customer Experience with Oracle Xstore

Oracle Xstore POS stands at the forefront of Oracle’s retail solutions, playing a pivotal role in elevating customer experiences and streamlining retail operations. Renowned for its ability to enhance customer interactions, it empowers omnichannel shopping – seamlessly bridging online, in-store, and mobile experiences. Features like loyalty programs and personalized promotions nurture strong customer relationships, driving repeat business and fostering brand loyalty.

To create exceptional customer experiences, prioritizing engagement and satisfaction is key to building lasting loyalty. Oracle Xstore offers:

• Loyalty and rewards programs to strengthen customer connections and brand affinity.
• Personalized marketing enabled by unified customer profiles.
• Tailored product recommendations based on purchase history.
• Customized shopping experiences that encourage repeat visits and purchases.

Additionally, the mobile capabilities of Oracle Xstore empower retailers to elevate customer engagement by delivering seamless service across all touchpoints. Whether on the sales floor, at a pop-up location, or out-of-store, mobile flexibility ensures an uninterrupted shopping experience.

The above figure highlights the benefits of Mobile POS Systems over traditional desktop or fixed POS setups. Mobile POS enables associates to process transactions directly on the sales floor, leading to faster service, improved efficiency, and a significantly enhanced customer experience – all while boosting overall engagement.

Case Studies: Enhancing Customer Engagement with Oracle Retail Solutions

SkillNet Solutions has partnered with various retailers to unlock the full potential of Oracle Retail solutions, driving improved customer engagement and experiences. These case studies highlight how tailored implementations have transformed operations, enhanced customer satisfaction, and demonstrated the value of an intelligent POS system.

• Enabling Rich In-Store Experiences for a DTC Retailer: 
  A leading direct-to-consumer (DTC) retailer partnered with SkillNet to implement Oracle Xstore POS, providing real-time inventory access and integrating a loyalty program. These enhancements elevated customer satisfaction and delivered a seamless in-store shopping experience.
• Driving Omnichannel Loyalty for a Fashion Retailer: 
  By leveraging SkillNet’s Oracle Retail Accelerators, a prominent fashion retailer achieved over 1 million omnichannel loyalty sign-ups. This initiative not only improved customer engagement across channels but also streamlined operational processes for greater efficiency.
• Optimizing Checkout Efficiency with SINSA and HEMSA: 
  Retailers, SINSA and HEMSA utilized Oracle Xstore to reduce customer wait times and optimize checkout processes. These improvements contributed to enhanced customer experiences while improving store efficiency.

These case studies demonstrate how Oracle Retail solutions, combined with SkillNet’s expertise, empower businesses to meet unique retail challenges and foster meaningful customer engagement. Let us help you achieve similar success.

Integrating Retail Technology with POS Systems

Integrating a POS system enhances its intelligence and efficiency, enabling seamless connectivity with other business systems like CRM, e-commerce, order management, inventory management, and reporting. A cloud-based POS solution like Oracle Xstore excels in retail technology integration, offering extensive inbound and outbound connections for significant business benefits. 

Oracle Xstore and its centralized Xstore Office integrate with systems like Oracle Retail Merchandising Foundation Cloud Service (RMFCS) for item data, Oracle Retail Pricing Cloud Service (RPCS) for pricing, and Omnichannel Cloud Data Service (OCDS) for centralized merchandising.  

Additionally, Oracle’s Xstore supports third-party integrations, offering flexibility and POS system scalability to meet evolving business needs.

Case Studies: Showcasing Integration Excellence

SkillNet’s expertise in Oracle Xstore integrations has enabled businesses across industries to transform their operations and elevate customer experiences. By leveraging Oracle Retail Accelerators, including StoreHub and RetMon, we delivered rapid omnichannel solutions that seamlessly integrated real-time data across systems. These integrations allowed for proactive issue management, ensuring smoother operations, while simultaneously enhancing customer satisfaction through personalized and efficient service.  

These case studies illustrate how SkillNet’s tailored solutions and accelerators unlock the full integration potential of Oracle Xstore, driving exceptional results for businesses.

• Modernizing Healthcare Retail Systems: 
  For a leading U.S. healthcare company, SkillNet integrated Oracle Xstore with pharmacy systems, enabling seamless omnichannel experiences and mobile checkouts. This transformation streamlined operations and improved the overall retail experience for customers.
• Transforming Specialty Retail:
  SkillNet helped a global specialty retailer revolutionize its digital ecosystem by integrating payment systems and mobile apps with Oracle Xstore. This integration enhanced in-store experiences, driving greater customer engagement and operational efficiency.
• Global Rollout for Beauty and Cosmetics Retailer: 
  SkillNet implemented a global and standardized Oracle Xstore solution for a leading beauty and cosmetics company, spanning over 4,200 locations, 50+ countries, and multiple brands. This solution introduced features like “click and collect,” enhanced sales floor interactions, and operational efficiencies through a simplified and robust global system.

SkillNet’s innovative integration capabilities continue to deliver value by creating cohesive, future-ready systems that drive customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your Oracle Xstore ecosystem. Entre em Contato!.

Advanced Functionality and Mobile Capabilities of Oracle Xstore

Oracle Xstore is a cutting-edge, intelligent POS solution tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern retail businesses. Its robust multi-tiered architecture seamlessly integrates store and corporate environments through centralized data management tools like Xcenter and Xadmin.

This flexible architecture supports both on-premise and cloud-based deployments, operating effortlessly across desktops, mobile devices, thin clients, and headless configurations. Retailers can tailor their POS setup by choosing from models such as Classic Desktop, mobile tablets, handheld devices, and thin clients, ensuring scalability to meet evolving business demands. 

The solution also incorporates Oracle’s Retail EFTLink framework, providing flexible and secure payment options. These include card payments, pay-by-link services, QR codes (e.g., AliPay, WeChat Pay), and third-party gateways, all compliant with PA-DSS standards to ensure transaction security.

Oracle Xstore’s mobile POS capabilities extend its usability to iOS and Android platforms, offering handheld devices for basic tasks and tablets for full-feature functionality. The mobile capabilities include:

• Support for Thin Clients and Self-Checkout: Retailers can leverage thin client devices and self-checkout systems to enhance operational flexibility.
• Integration with External Hardware: Oracle Xstore is compatible with a variety of external devices, including barcode scanners, QR code readers, payment terminals, and network printers.
• Third-Party Framework Integration: Extend functionality with third-party frameworks, such as Scandit scanning for iOS and other peripherals.
• External Payment Authorization: Mobile devices can function as payment terminals, supporting SDKs and frameworks like Tap to Pay on iPhone for seamless transactions.
• Offline Mode: Oracle Xstore supports basic transactions, such as sales and returns, in offline mode, with automatic data synchronization when back online.
• Comprehensive Mobile POS Functionality: Tablets and thin clients offer complete POS features, including managing sales, special events, and remote or extension store operations.
• Temporary Store Setup: The solution supports temporary store setups with unique or shared store numbers, ideal for events, pop-ups, and extension stores.

Oracle Xstore’s advanced capabilities empower retailers to deliver seamless, scalable, and innovative customer experiences across all touchpoints, whether in-store, on-the-go, or at remote locations.

Case Studies: Transforming Retail with Mobile POS Solutions

SkillNet has partnered with retailers across industries to deliver tailored mobile POS solutions, revolutionizing operations and customer experiences.

• Cosmetic Retailer: Enhanced in-store experiences by integrating Mobile POS into their existing Oracle Xstore setup, transforming customer shopping behaviors.
• Office Supply Retailer: Optimized operations by upgrading to the latest Oracle Xstore version with Mobile POS and third-party scanners, leading to faster checkouts and improved customer satisfaction. 
• Spanish Fashion Retailer: Expanded Mobile POS capabilities by introducing Tap to Pay on iPhone, enabling seamless, contactless payments and elevating the customer shopping journey.

These case studies underscore the versatility and impact of SkillNet’s Mobile POS solutions, enabling retailers to drive operational efficiency, improve customer engagement, and stay competitive in today’s dynamic market.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right POS for Your Retail Business

Selecting the right POS system is crucial for driving operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and supporting seamless shopping journeys. A modern, future-ready solution like Oracle Xstore offers the intelligence, flexibility, and scalability required to meet the evolving demands of today’s dynamic retail environment.

Oracle Xstore empowers associates with tools and data for exceptional service on a flexible, scalable platform supporting seamless transactions. With dynamic pricing, customizable promotions, and real-time inventory visibility, it enables retailers to adapt to changing demands and trends effortlessly.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, having a POS system that is adaptable, extensible, and scalable is more important than ever. Whether you are transitioning to Oracle Retail Xstore or considering an upgrade, SkillNet is here to provide expert guidance and tailored solutions that will position your business for long-term success in a competitive marketplace.

Ready to transform your retail business with Oracle Retail Xstore? Contact us for a free demo today and see how it can transform your business.

Mobile POS systems are becoming more important and pervasive, necessitating connected devices that can be pooled across multiple mobile platforms. Shared printers and PED devices connected to mobile POS registers significantly reduce hardware and maintenance costs.

Additionally, as consumers embrace quick payment options like digital wallets and tap-to-pay cards, retailers must adapt their commerce solutions to accept these methods, reducing transaction turnaround time and meeting growing customer expectations.

Tap to Pay on iPhone

Tap to Pay on iPhone is a contactless payment acceptance method that allows merchants to accept in-person payments directly from customers’ compatible physical or digital payment cards. Customers can use their contactless cards or NFC-supported smartphones to tap on a contactless-enabled iPhone, eliminating the need to swipe or insert payment cards. This solution benefits both merchants and customers due to its convenience and enhanced security features, leading to its widespread adoption by businesses.

Tap to Pay on iPhone can accept various payment methods, including physical Credit/Debit Cards and Digital Wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and PayPal. This ensures simplicity, security, and privacy for users. These attributes, combined with the rising trend of contactless payments, intuitive user experience, effective marketing and promotions, collectively contribute to the growing adoption of Tap to Pay on iPhone. Additonally, merchants can use Tap to Pay on iPhone for issuing refunds, accepting loyalty cards, and validating credit cards.

Understanding Tap to Pay on iPhone

Tap to Pay on iPhone utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) protocols, enabling secure wireless data transfer over short distances via radio waves. This robust technology ensures that payment card information is securely transmitted to the iPhone’s card reader component via its chip or antenna, making it a secure payment device.

When a payment card, such as a credit/debit card or a smartphone equipped with digital wallets, is held near an iPhone XS or later to make a transaction, the encrypted card data is transferred to the iPhone’s card reader component. Subsequently, the iPhone’s card reader component transmits the card data to the payment library provided by the PSP (Payment Service Provider). The payment library verifies the card information and forwards the details to the PSP for further processing. Finally, the transaction is authorized through the bank or card issuer. This process ensures quick, convenient, and secure transactions.

Tap to Pay on iPhone, when integrated with a Point-of-Sale (POS) application, functions similarly to other PED (Pin Entry Device) terminals, but with more convenience and faster transactions. It supports payments/tendering for all types of sales and returns, voids and post-voids. The design is modular ensuring that other POS integration and functionalities are not affected.

Security of Transactions

Security in financial transactions is paramount, and Apple handles it seamlessly. Tap to Pay on iPhone transactions are safeguarded by a multi-layered security approach that incorporates tokenization and biometric authentication (Touch ID or Face ID). Transactions cannot proceed without authentication, ensuring that sensitive payment information is always protected, thus reducing the risk of fraud or theft.

Customers using an iPhone or Apple Watch benefit from the same security measures. They need to configure their card in the Wallet app, part of Apple Pay. When using Apple Pay, the device prompts the saved cards, allowing selection of a different card if desired. Confirmation is completed by double-clicking the side button, followed by Face ID or passcode authentication. This ensures secure transactions for both customers and merchants.

Fig: Presenting saved cards with Face ID and passcode on iPhone

SkillNet’s Innovative Integration Solution for Tap to Pay on iPhone

SkillNet offers a seamless payment solution integrating Oracle Retail Mobile POS Solution (Xstore Mobile) with Payment Mobile SDKs (e.g. Adyen) enabling Tap to Pay on iPhone. This integration eliminates the need of external PEDs (Pin Entry Device), allowing customers to tap their card on the iPhone with the Xstore Mobile app or use a stored card on their NFC-enabled smartphone for swift transactions.

Tap to Pay not only enhances consumer experience but also boosts transaction throughput for merchants. This innovative approach to mobile Tap to Pay sets a new standard for modern retail payment solutions, positioning all stakeholders for long-term success in an evolving market landscape.

Skillnet has added business value for one of the luxury retailers in Europe by implementing the Tap to Pay journeys in addition to their existing payment methods. Using the device in-built capabilities of NFC Data Capture and data encryptions, and building a connector between iPhone Data Reader Component and Payment provider SDK, mobile use-cases are extended to support this additional payment type.

This has given the benefits of leveraging their current payment architecture for quick turnaround of customer transactions.The sales, return, void flows are supported with Adyen SDK and Apple iOS Tap to Pay enabler. The standardized design facilitates implementation in other regions with different payment providers, provided Tap to Pay is supported. Customers can now use multiple wallets and cards without requiring the retailer to add more physical devices or engage in device pooling.

Solution Architecture

The Tap to Pay on iPhone solution features a straight-forward architecture. A custom mobile POS app component is integrated within the Xstore Mobile App, enabling seamless request-response communication between the payment service provider and the Xstore Mobile server.

Transaction Process Flow

1. The merchant initiates the Tap to Pay payment request on the Xstore Mobile app.

2. The request is transmitted to the Software Development Kit (SDK) provided by the Payment Service Provider (PSP).

3. The SDK authorizes the request by communicating with the PSP server.

4. The request is then forwarded to the Tap to Pay component of the iPhone, which reads the card details using the iPhone’s native interface.

5. When the customer taps their payment device, the chip and antenna securely transmit payment details to the contactless reader integrated within or connected to the point-of-sale (POS) system.

6. For added security, Tap to Pay on iPhone may prompt customers to enter their PIN using Apple’s secure PIN entry interface.

7. With payment confirmation typically instantaneous for lower-value purchases, a smooth and efficient checkout experience is ensured.

Transaction Processing and Integration

The transaction request is interfaced to PSP server and then SDK forwards the payment response to the Xstore Mobile server. The Xstore Mobile server processes the payment and adds the tender to the transaction. With Xstore Mobile, Tap to Pay on iPhone seamlessly integrates with the other PED pooling options, supporting customers without tap-to-pay cards or payment-enabled devices. Additionally, deployment is simplified using the same Mobile POS IPA file distribution via Mobile Device Management (MDM).

Implementing Tap to Pay on iPhone

To adopt Tap to Pay on iPhone, merchants must collaborate with a Payment Service Provider (PSP) that supports this functionality. Key steps for seamless integration include:

1. Requesting the Tap to Pay on iPhone Entitlement from Apple.

2. Integrating the Proximity Reader API.

3. Adhering to Human Interface Guidelines.

Currently, this solution has some dependencies and limitations, such as only working on iPhone and not iPad. This limitation is primarily due to the lower demand for contactless payments on iPad compared to iPhones, given their different usage patterns.

Conclusion

Tap to Pay on iPhone revolutionizes the shopping experience, offering seamless transactions and eliminating the hassle of physical cards and waiting in lines. For businesses, it enhances customer satisfaction, sets them apart from competitors, and fosters long-term brand loyalty. Merchants benefit from accelerated checkouts, reduced cash handling, and increased profits, while also gaining the flexibility to accept payments anywhere. Moreover, Tap to Pay ensures secure transactions, simplifies processes, and seamlessly integrates with other payment options, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution for businesses and customers.

This blog is written by Kumar Sharma and Saurabh Pant.

Conheça mais sobre nossos POS Payment Solutions.

Read our blog on Key considerations when extending your Oracle POS with Xstore Mobile POS.

Click to read our blog on Examining MPOS Technology Adoption in Retail with a Spotlight on Oracle Xstore Mobile.

Current MPOS Landscape

The impetus for embracing the mobile revolution transcends consumer demand with other significant factors at play. The rapid surge in mobile users, as forecasted by Statista and Global News Wire, underscores the profound shift. Presently, VITAG and Captera report that over 80% of global retailers leverage MPOS solutions, and Global News Wire predicts that more than 50% of retailers prioritize MPOS adoption, highlighting its escalating importance.

Moreover, MPOS is recognized for enhancing the customer experience, with 87% of retailers acknowledging its positive impact, as noted by Vitag. According to NewStore, 60% customers favor mobile shopping apps. The use of MPOS systems is expected to double in North America from 2020 to 2025. Significantly retailers risk losing 28% of shoppers if they do not have contactless payment options. Global Market Insights also projects significant growth for MPOS.

Mobile devices, which are increasingly replacing computers or laptops not just in retail but also in sectors such as hospitality and healthcare, are further advancing this trend.

Key Reasons for Adopting MPOS

Now, let’s delve into some of the reasons behind retailers embracing MPOS solutions:

• Convenient transactions: MPOS eliminates the need for customers to wait in queues or scan items at traditional registers. With solutions like Apple Pay or Tap-to-Pay, customers can simply tap their phones for a quick checkout.
• Space efficiency and dynamic store layout: MPOS saves space, offering flexibility for transactions anywhere. Eliminating fixed POS registers enhances store layouts, promoting dynamic spaces for interactive shopping, and improving customer engagement.
• Ease of setup: MPOS systems are cost-efficient, secure, and easy to set up. Typically, it involves downloading an app and ensuring compatibility with card types and mobile software. This simplicity contrasts with the complexity of traditional POS systems.
• Facilitate contactless payments: Mobile POS systems facilitate digital wallet payments, including Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Tap-to-Pay, through contactless NFC technology. This expedites transactions, ensures privacy on the customer’s device, and promotes social distancing, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the payment process.
• Improving customer experience: Adding a mobile point-of-sale system into the transaction-handling processes, can make transactions quicker and more convenient for customers. It also allows the acceptance of various local and alternative payment methods.

Critical Factors in Choosing an Optimal MPOS

In order to remain competitive, it is crucial for retailers to adopt MPOS solutions. Choosing the best MPOS solution can be challenging due to the diverse options available, each offering different features. The decision ultimately rests with the retailer and depends on their business requirements. While evaluating any MPOS solution business and IT must consider the following factors:

• The extent to which POS functionalities are supported on MPOS; the more, the better.
• The number of users utilizing mobile registers.
• The capacity for network-connected hardware for hardware pooling between MPOS and POS devices.
• The reliability, security, and stability of the store network.
• The ease of extending the existing POS solution on MPOS solution.
• The simplicity of deploying additional registers.
• The range of functionalities is supported within mobile apps and cameras, scanners, etc. without the need for additional hardware.
• The extent to which day-to-day operations of cashiers involve filling long forms on the mobile, considering potential delays due to screen size.
• The percentage of POS screens can be seamlessly available on Mobile POS; screens with many dropdowns can cause inconvenience to mobile users.

Oracle Retail’s Xstore MPOS

There are several good MPOS solutions in the market. One of the industry-leading technologies is Oracle Retail‘s Xstore Mobile. Retailers considering Oracle Xstore along with Xstore Mobile can experience significant benefits. Xstore Mobile is essentially Xstore on mobile devices, functioning similarly to the desktop version. Notably, the latest versions, Xstore 22 and 23 maintain consistent looks and functionality across various devices, including new desktops, handhelds, tablets, and thin clients. This evolution of Oracle Xstore indicates a gradual shift towards a mobile-centric world, where graphics, user interface, and touch screens offer a uniform experience. The mobile-centric approach ensures that almost all features are supported on mobile devices, making it a top-notch choice in the industry.  For additional information on Xstore Mobile, including details on its architecture, benefits, challenges, etc, please consult the MPOS whitepaper.

Extending with Thin Client and Self Checkout

Since MPOS or Xstore Mobile client rely on the Xstore Mobile Server, other form factors like Thin Client and Self Checkout also depend on this server. These designs are versatile for any store setup, whether mobile-only or hybrid. Thin-client and self-checkout share the same architecture as Xstore mobile clients, supported on Windows 10-based Oracle Workstation 610 and 310 UI. These clients, along with handhelds and tablets, require the Xstore Mobile Server set up on a primary or lead register, either on-premise or in the cloud. Mobile clients offer flexibility for taking orders anywhere in the store, while thin clients provide a desktop-like experience. Self-checkout streamlines transactions without employee assistance. The roles and few more benefits of thin-client and self-checkout are briefly explained below:

Thin Client: Thin clients are low-power, low-storage devices requiring a server for operation. They resemble desktop registers but function like tablets. Using the standard Xstore installer, Thin Client installs a lightweight client application without needing a database.

Self-Checkout: Self-checkout registers allow customers to scan items and pay without assistance, requiring the same mobile server as other clients. Installation is similar to Thin Client, and these devices improve checkout speed, reduce wait times, and cut costs by minimizing the need for thick-client register setup and extra associates.

Xstore Mobile Payment and Reporting Capabilities

We have observed that MPOS is primarily favored for its streamlined payment options on mobile devices, facilitating convenient transactions and optimizing space efficiency. Given that the primary motivations for embracing MPOS are often linked to payment-related benefits, let’s delve into the capabilities of Oracle Xstore Mobile concerning payments, reporting, and enhancing the overall customer experience:

• Payment compatibility: Oracle Xstore Mobile supports payments via EFTLink, including Adyen, AJB/Fipay, Cayan, Merchant Link, Tender Retail, and Verifone Point, covering credit, debit, and gift card transactions.
• Payment flexibility: Xstore Mobile facilitates direct communication with payment terminals through PED (Pin Entry Device) pooling, enabling sales associates to serve customers seamlessly in any space.
• Integrated payments: Adyen Android mobile seamlessly supports both Xstore Mobile and payment functionalities on a single device. For example, mobile devices, including models like S1E2L, S1F2, and S1F2L, are also referred to as Adyen payment terminals capable of accommodating the installation of the Xstore Mobile application.
• Tap-to-Pay capability: Xstore Mobile also supports the integration of the Tap-to-Pay feature on iPhone and Android, making the checkout process more convenient and offering customers a faster and more secure payment experience.
• Mobile reporting: Reports like dashboard, electronic journal, customer, employee, and inventory reports can be easily accessed on mobile tablets for viewing and printing, providing full access to registers similar to traditional fixed POS setups.
• Customer experience: Xstore Mobile aims to enhance customer service, streamline operations, and improve overall customer experience for retailers through its mobile solution.

Xstore Mobile excels in payments with features like direct communication with payment terminals, and versatile payment compatibility. In essence, the comprehensive approach of Xstore Mobile contributes to streamlined operations and an enhanced customer experience.

Key Technical Considerations for MPOS Implementation

Embarking on the adoption of an MPOS solution entails a careful examination of various factors that significantly influence the success of its implementation. These key considerations are essential for both the initial setup of the MPOS solution and ongoing maintenance. They serve as a guide in understanding the fundamental requirements and considerations, as well as provide insights into the technologies that work in tandem with the MPOS system. Gaining familiarity and comprehension of the following technologies or conditions is essential:

• Mobile technologies: MPOS relies on mobile technologies such as app distribution and mobile device management (MDM) services. A solid understanding of these technologies is essential for the effective implementation of MPOS solutions.
• App deployment processes: A thorough comprehension of platform-specific app deployment processes is crucial for seamless deployment. On iOS, understanding the process of distribution certificates and mobile provisioning profiles is important for successful app deployment.
• Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems: Familiarity with MDM solutions like VMware AirWatch or Microsoft Intune is necessary for efficient app deployment, security management, and device policies. MDM solutions enable businesses to control device settings, enforce security policies, Mobile Application Management (MAM) such as overseeing app installation and updates, and remotely administering devices.
• App signing and certificates: Collaboration with Apple for iOS distribution profiles and certificates, along with knowledge of signing apps with digital certificates is essential for the successful distribution of IPA files wirelessly through MDM.
• Stable internet connection: MPOS applications often rely on mobile servers for proper functioning and communication with payment gateways. A stable internet connection and robust WiFi network are vital to prevent transaction delays, connectivity issues, and maintain a positive customer experience.
• Network and bandwidth considerations: Understanding network protocols and bandwidth requirements optimizes app delivery, crucial for larger organizations with diverse user bases.
• Technical expertise: Successful MPOS implementation requires technical proficiency in hardware like printers, payment terminals, scanners, and cash drawers. Additionally, expertise in software configuration and troubleshooting is vital for ensuring the efficient operation of the system.

Conclusion

Adopting MPOS solutions is essential for retailers aiming to thrive in today’s mobile-centric retail environment. MPOS Solutions, like Xstore Mobile provides a uniform experience across various devices. It streamlines POS operations with complete desktop register capability. Its scalability, seamless hardware integration, and customization options make it a flexible choice. The application supports offline mode and temporary store setups, ensuring uninterrupted transactions and enabling a smooth transition between devices for a mobile-only store experience. This article outlines the essential factors, key considerations, and motivations underlying the adoption of MPOS solutions. It aims to equip retailers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for the successful implementation of Xstore Mobile in their businesses.

References

1. “Global Mobile POS Terminals Market Size” https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5753129/global-mobile-pos-terminals-market-size-share-and.
2. Mobile Point-of-Sale Solutions (MPOS) https://www.mastercard.com/global/en/business/overview/start-accepting/mobile-pos.html.
3. Introduction to Oracle Retail Xstore Mobile, https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E62106_01/xpos/pdf/200/html/mobile_user_guide/introduction.htm. 
4. Tap to Pay on iPhone, https://www.adyen.com/devices/tap-to-pay-on-iphone. 
5. https://docs.adyen.com/plugins/oracle-xstore/